German lobby backs Irish anti-smoking plan

German health campaigners have written to Enda Kenny backing plans for plain packaging for tobacco and dismissing pressure from German politicians to scrap the anti-smoking proposals.

The German Smokefree Alliance says it hopes Ireland will set an example for other European countries with plans to outlaw branding on cigarette packets and tobacco products.

The letter of support to Mr Kenny comes after German politicians and businesses previously claimed the plans would boost cigarette smuggling, reduce taxes and hurt the economy.